as in blunt
being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner
don't expect much information or friendly chitchat from the short-spoken villagers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-spoken
Adjective
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The coroner determined that the cause of death was traumatic blunt force injuries and the manner of death was an accident.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026 -
Top women executives have also been blunt about the tradeoffs of work and life.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Ehrlich noted the short careers for college athletes and wondered whether a union for collective bargaining is even possible.—
ANDREW DESTIN,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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This short-sleeve pullover top is paired with a wide-leg pant to keep me cozy just about wherever my day takes me.—
Aly Walansky,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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He was originally signed as a depth linebacker but was forced into the starting lineup following the abrupt departure of Josey Jewell before training camp.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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The abrupt vote, however, sparked near-immediate backlash from the community.—
Erika Stanish,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Approved by The Boss himself, the live-music and storytelling show finds Azaria slipping into his best Springsteen guise for a night of gruff tales and greatest hits.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
24 Dec. 2025
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The gory skit ends with the gruff older man rushing through the door to announce he’s made amends with his son, only to have his head sliced off by the flying chainsaw.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Employees have been less outspoken as layoffs increased after companies over-hired during the covid-19 pandemic and embraced artificial intelligence.—
Joseph Menn The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
21 Jan. 2026
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Once-outspoken entertainers have been a bit quieter of late as well.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But on third down at the 28, Jaquan Brisker broke up a pass in the end zone as time expired, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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Jaquan Brisker deflected the ball, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Short-spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-spoken. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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